Dispensing of Schedule 1 or 2 Drugs by a Physician for a Fee

About the standard

The Dispensing of Schedule 1 or 2 Drugs by a Physician for a Fee standard (proposed new title: Dispensing Drugs for a Fee) was published in 2010 and requires review to ensure it aligns with current best practices and related legislation. Additions and amendments around this standard are intended to support patient safety by emphasizing the provision of appropriate information to inform patient decisions, supporting prescribing within the physician-patient relationship whenever possible and providing clarity around requirements for obtaining, storing and dispensing drugs. The inclusion of an appendix supports regulated members in meeting the same dispensing requirements as pharmacists.

What’s changed?

• Inclusion of additional clauses and clarifying language to ensure prescribing occurs within a physician-patient relationship whenever possible and to emphasize the right of the patient to make informed decisions with correct and appropriate information about the drugs being dispensed;
• Clause added to ensure regulated members appropriately follow relevant legislation when prescribing; and
• Clauses added and language altered around requirements for obtaining, storing and dispensing drugs to better protect the best interests of the patient.